Tammy Baldwin

U.S. Senate, Wisconsin

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Renowned for her decades-long commitment to progressive causes and her fearless approach to combating conservative efforts to marginalize communities, Sen. Tammy Baldwin seeks another term in the U.S. Senate to continue defending working class families. She has committed her life’s work to public service, fighting for fairness, equality and opportunity because she believes that with each passing year and each generation, our country must become more equal – not less. In the Senate, Senator Baldwin is committed to working across party lines to strengthen the essential pillars of economic security for the middle class - investments in education and workforce readiness, quality health care for all Americans, building a strong manufacturing economy, and ensuring retirement security for today’s seniors and future generations.

Tammy Baldwin was born in Madison, Wisconsin and raised by her grandparents in the Badger State. Her grandfather was a scientist at the University of Wisconsin and her grandmother was a gifted artist and seamstress who became the chief costume designer of the UW Theater Department. When Tammy was nine years old, she was diagnosed with a serious childhood illness similar to spinal meningitis, spending three months in the hospital. This experience taught her the importance of health care and coverage for all Americans, especially those with pre-existing conditions.

Tammy graduated from Madison West High School, proceeding to double-major in political science and mathematics at Smith College and her law degree from UW-Madison. In 1986, while in law school, she served on the Madison Common Council, filling an aldermanic vacancy. Tammy was elected to four terms (1986-1994) on the Dane County Board of Supervisors. In 1992, Tammy was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly as a State Representative for the 78th District, serving three terms. In 1998, Wisconsin’s 2nd Congressional District shattered the state’s glass ceiling and elected Tammy as the state’s first female member of Congress and the nation’s first openly gay challenger sent to Congress. She served seven terms in the House of Representatives, serving on the Budget Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Energy and Commerce Committee.